Coote determined to play on in first grade
OFF- CONTRACT premiership winner Lachlan Coote is adamant he still has plenty to offer in the NRL, but concedes that his time at the Cowboys appears over.
Coote was one of the stars of North Queensland’s maiden premiership in 2015, but he’s spent most of this season with the Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup.
Te Maire Martin has taken over the fullback role in recent weeks and Coote, who turned 28 in April, said he was resigned to leaving unless the Cowboys made a last- minute offer.
“There’s a little bit of interest there ( from other clubs), but I’m still waiting to hear from the Cowboys and what their plans are for next year,” Coote said.
“I think if they really wanted me here then I’m sure it would have been taken care of already, but I still haven’t got any direction from them as yet. Hopefully we can have it all sorted in the next few weeks or so.”
Coote didn’t want to elaborate on which clubs had sounded him out.
He has a young family to consider, welcoming his second child, daughter Mia, last month with his wife Laura.
But the veteran of 166 NRL games said a move to the En- glish Super League was not out of the question as he looks to continue his first- grade career.
“There’s a lot of players in the past that have been over there with small families and have loved it, so it’s always an option,” Coote said.
“I’ve still got plenty of footy in me. The body’s feeling good.
“I’m 28 and I’d like to think I’ve still got a few more years in me and some quality footy to play.”
Cowboys coach Paul Green was no clearer on Coote’s future, but said the club had made the tough call to move on several veterans this season after missing the finals for the first time since 2010.
“I think for us to regenerate, we’ve got to look at some younger guys,” Green said.
“Whether or not Cootey can contribute going forward, I’m not sure.”
Even if his Cowboys career is over, Coote said he had loved his time in Townsville after making the move from his junior club Penrith in 2014.
“There’s no regrets coming up here. I’ve obviously got a premiership under my belt and that’s what every rugby player is striving for,” he said.
“Not only that, it’s been a great town and the fans that we’ve got up here are so loyal.
“Even with the season that we’ve had this year, they always seem to keep coming to the game each week and giving us positive feedback.”